# Plain Language Summary: Stopping Grinch Bots Act of 2023

This bill makes it illegal to use bots or other computer tricks to bypass the limits that online stores put on how many items you can buy. When a retailer sets a purchase limit—like "only two gaming consoles per customer" or "one item per person"—this law says you can't use automated software to get around that rule. It also makes it illegal to sell products you know were obtained by breaking these limits. The name "Grinch Bots" refers to the practice of using automated tools to scoop up limited inventory (especially during holiday shopping) before regular customers have a fair chance to buy them.

The law applies to anyone who either uses the bots themselves or knowingly sells products that were grabbed using these bots. However, there's an exception for security researchers and computer scientists who are studying these systems to find weaknesses and improve security—they can legally test these controls. The Federal Trade Commission (the government agency that handles consumer protection) gets the power to investigate and punish violations, treating bot circumvention as an unfair or deceptive business practice. State attorneys general can also sue on behalf of their residents if they believe people in their state have been harmed, and they have to notify the FTC before filing these lawsuits.

In practical terms, this bill is designed to protect everyday shoppers from missing out on limited products because bots bought everything instantly. It targets the scalpers and resellers who use automated tools to grab high-demand items like concert tickets, gaming consoles, or sneakers and then resell them at inflated prices. If you're caught using bots to bypass purchase limits or knowingly buying and reselling items obtained this way, you could face federal penalties and lawsuits from your state's attorney general.